New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-02-10 | - |
| 2025-03-03 | - |
Program Overview
The New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage is a year-long program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in massage therapy. The program covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, therapeutic massage, sports massage, and Te Hīriri (Cultural Competence). Graduates are prepared for employment in a variety of settings, including home-based massage therapy, healthcare facilities, spas, and sports and fitness facilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5) is a rewarding career path for those interested in enriching others' well-being through massage therapy. The program covers anatomy, physiology, therapeutic massage, and sports massage, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in this field. The program also incorporates vital business skills, allowing graduates to establish their own massage businesses or seek employment within the industry. Real-world experience is gained through supervised massage clinics, providing practical application of learned skills. Specialized courses, such as Te Hīriri (Cultural Competence), delve into the cultural context of massage therapy in Aotearoa, offering a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
Outline:
Topics Covered:
- Massage Theory to Practice
- Wellness Dimensions and Client-Centred Care
- Musculoskeletal Surface Anatomy
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Sports Massage
- Te Hīriri
- The Professional Practitioner
- Relaxation and Wellness Massage Clinical Practice
Structure:
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) The program mentions expert tutors, supervised massage clinics, and online learning.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
- Home-based massage therapist
- Community-based massage therapist
- Employment within healthcare facilities or spa-based massage therapy clinics
- Employment within sports and fitness facilities (non-injury work) or with sports teams or individual athletes
Career Paths:
- Self-employment with a massage therapy business
- Employment in the sports industry
- Working in spas and hotels
- Working on cruise ships
- Working alongside other medical professionals like physiotherapists
Other:
- Students can study either full-time or part-time with in-class and online learning.
- The program requires a police vetting check before, during, and after the course.
- International students must have a minimum IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5, or a completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement, or meet a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Indicative Fees $6,642 for domestic students Help with fees Student Loans and Allowances books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back. A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
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Entry Requirements:
- Standard Entry Criteria: Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
- For Levels 5, 6 and 7 certificate or diploma, domestic students under 20 and all international students must have:
- NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2 and a minimum of 42 credits at level 3; OR
- Evidence of ability to complete academic requirements for the programme.
- Other Considerations:
- Police Vetting: You will need to sign a consent form, which will allow Toi Ohomai to complete a police check before you start the course, during the course, and before you finish the course. Any applicant with a conviction must attend an interview with the relevant department staff and may be declined entry onto the course. You will only be accepted onto the course once a satisfactory police check has been completed.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Level 5 certificate or diploma: IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
